Plan ahead for disasters. Talk with your family.

Northwest Georgia Public Health News

Atlanta -The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is currently investigating possible cases of severe respiratory illness in individuals who reported vaping. Symptoms, which worsen over time, include cough, shortness of breath fatigue, chest pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Rome, GA: August is National Immunization Awareness Month and serves as a reminder that Northwest Georgians of all ages require timely vaccinations to protect their health. “Vaccinations are our best defense against vaccine-preventable diseases,” said Janet Eberhart, immunizations coordinator for the ten-county public health district. “This National Immunization Awareness Month, we urge parents to think ahead and get themselves and their families up to date on their vaccinations, especially those required school vaccinations.”

Every health department in the ten-county Georgia Department of Public Health Northwest Health District, which includes Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Gordon, Haralson, Paulding, Polk, and Walker counties, is offering free hepatitis A vaccinations during regular business hours. No appointment is needed.

Rome, GA: Public health officials have confirmed four cases of hepatitis A among Floyd County residents and are urging vaccination against the highly contagious liver infection for people most at risk of the vaccine-preventable disease, especially illicit (injection and non-injection) drug users and their close contacts. Officials are also encouraging all persons who work in food-service establishments, such as restaurants and cafeterias, to be vaccinated.

Northwest Georgia Health Departments in Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Gordon, and Walker Counties will provide free hepatitis A vaccine to individuals at risk of the highly contagious, highly preventable liver disease every Friday in May. Clinics will be held at each health department on May 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31, from 8 am to 2 pm.